Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo – A Flavor-Packed Meal in 30 Minutes!

If you’re looking for a meal that’s fresh, flavorful, and easy to throw together, this Shrimp Rice Bowl with Spicy Mayo is exactly what you need! Juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp sit atop a bed of fluffy rice, with crunchy veggies and a drizzle of creamy, spicy mayo. It’s the perfect mix of heat, texture, and umami, making every bite incredibly satisfying.

Best of all? This dish comes together in 30 minutes or less, making it ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a quick, restaurant-quality meal at home.

Let’s get cooking!

Description

These Shrimp Rice Bowls are packed with flavor, crunch, and spice. Tender shrimp are seasoned and pan-seared to perfection, then layered over rice with fresh veggies and creamy spicy mayo for a bold finish. Customize your bowl with toppings like avocado, cucumber, or pickled onions to make it your own!

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled & deveined)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for extra flavor)

For the Spicy Mayo:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• ½ teaspoon honey (optional, for balance)
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil (for depth)

For the Bowls:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, jasmine, or sushi rice)
• 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned or shredded
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 1 sheet nori, cut into strips (optional)
• ¼ cup pickled red onions (optional, for tang)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rice

1. Prepare 2 cups of cooked rice according to package instructions.
2. For extra flavor, mix in a teaspoon of rice vinegar or sesame oil once cooked.

Step 2: Prepare the Spicy Mayo

3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, honey, and sesame oil.
4. Adjust spice level to taste and set aside.

Step 3: Season and Cook the Shrimp

5. Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel. In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
6. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
7. Remove from heat and drizzle with sesame oil for extra flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

8. Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls.
9. Arrange shrimp, cucumber, carrots, avocado, and green onions on top.
10. Drizzle with spicy mayo and sprinkle with sesame seeds and nori strips.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

11. Serve immediately, with extra spicy mayo or soy sauce on the side.

Notes

• For crispy shrimp, lightly coat them in cornstarch before pan-searing.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha to the mayo.
• Want extra crunch? Add crispy fried onions or crushed roasted peanuts on top.
• For a low-carb option, swap rice for cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage.

Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2–4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Fusion
• Diet: Pescatarian
• Keywords: shrimp rice bowl, spicy mayo shrimp, healthy rice bowls, easy shrimp recipe

Helpful Tips for the Best Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo

Want to make your Shrimp Rice Bowl extra delicious? Follow these simple tips for the best flavor, texture, and presentation!

1. Use Fresh or Properly Thawed Shrimp

• Fresh shrimp will give you the best flavor and texture.
• If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in cold water for 15–20 minutes, then pat dry before cooking.
• Avoid thawing in warm water, as it can make shrimp rubbery.

2. Pat Shrimp Dry Before Cooking

• This helps them sear properly instead of steaming in excess moisture.

3. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

• Shrimp cook fast! They only need 2–3 minutes per side.
• Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery and tough, so watch them closely.

4. Use a Hot Pan for a Golden Sear

• Heat your pan before adding the shrimp—this creates a slight crisp on the edges.
• A cast-iron skillet or stainless steel pan works best.

5. Adjust the Spice Level

• For more heat: Add extra sriracha or a pinch of cayenne to the mayo.
• For less spice: Reduce the sriracha or replace it with a mild chili sauce.

6. Make It Meal-Prep Friendly

• Cook the shrimp and rice ahead of time, but store them separately from the sauce and veggies.
• Assemble fresh to keep everything crisp and flavorful.

7. Season the Rice for Extra Flavor

• Mix cooked rice with a splash of soy sauce, sesame oil, or rice vinegar for more depth.

8. Use Sushi Rice for a More Authentic Bowl

• Sticky sushi rice makes this bowl feel more like a poke bowl or sushi-inspired dish.

9. Serve It Warm or Cold

• This dish is delicious both warm and chilled, making it great for meal prep or hot days.

10. Get Creative with Toppings!

• Crunchy: Add crushed peanuts, fried onions, or crispy wonton strips.
• Freshness: Try pickled onions, sliced radishes, or fresh cilantro.
• Creamy: Swap avocado for a drizzle of coconut yogurt or a scoop of guacamole.

Conservation and Storage

These Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo are great for meal prep, but proper storage is key to keeping the shrimp fresh and the ingredients crisp. Here’s how to store and reheat them for the best results.

Short-Term Storage (Refrigerator)

• Store ingredients separately to maintain the best texture. Keep shrimp, rice, and veggies in separate airtight containers.
• Shrimp: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Rice: Keeps well for 4–5 days in a sealed container.
• Spicy Mayo: Store in a small container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
• Veggies: Keep crisp ingredients like cucumbers and carrots in a dry container for up to 3 days.

Freezing Instructions

Can I freeze shrimp rice bowls?

• Shrimp: Yes! Cooked shrimp freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Rice: Yes! Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
• Veggies & Sauce: No! Fresh veggies and spicy mayo don’t freeze well.

How to freeze shrimp rice bowls:

1. Let shrimp and rice cool completely before freezing.
2. Place shrimp and rice in separate freezer-safe containers or bags.
3. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2–3 months.

Reheating Instructions

1. Stovetop (Best for Shrimp)

• Heat a small pan over medium heat with a teaspoon of oil.
• Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until just warmed through.
• Be careful not to overcook, or they’ll get rubbery!

2. Microwave (Best for Rice)

• Place rice in a bowl and sprinkle a teaspoon of water over it.
• Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.

3. Cold Option (Best for Meal Prep)

• Skip reheating and enjoy the shrimp rice bowl cold, similar to a sushi or poke bowl.

Best Storage & Reheating Tips

Store shrimp and rice separately to prevent sogginess.
Always reheat shrimp gently to keep them juicy.
Add spicy mayo fresh—don’t reheat it with the bowl.
Keep veggies crisp by storing them dry and assembling fresh.

Substitutions and Variations for Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo

This Shrimp Rice Bowl is incredibly versatile! Whether you need a different protein, want to switch up the grains, or add new flavors, here are some easy substitutions and variations to try.

Protein Swaps

Not a fan of shrimp? Try these alternatives:

• Salmon or Tuna – Sear or bake for a seafood twist.
• Chicken – Use grilled, baked, or pan-seared chicken breast or thighs.
• Tofu – Pan-fry or air-fry tofu for a crispy vegetarian option.
• Beef or Pork – Thinly sliced teriyaki beef or pork works well.
• Tempeh or Jackfruit – Great vegan alternatives with a meaty texture.

Grain Variations

Switch up the rice with different bases:

• Brown rice – A hearty, fiber-rich alternative.
• Quinoa – Adds protein and a nutty flavor.
• Cauliflower rice – A low-carb option.
• Farro or Barley – Great for extra chewiness.
• Sushi rice – For a sushi bowl-style experience.

Different Sauces

Not a fan of spicy mayo? Try these alternatives:

• Garlic-lime aioli – Creamy but without heat.
• Teriyaki glaze – For a sweet-savory twist.
• Soy-ginger dressing – Light and refreshing.
• Avocado sauce – Blend avocado, lime juice, and yogurt for a creamy topping.
• Miso dressing – A deep umami flavor option.

Vegetable Add-Ins

Boost your bowl with extra veggies:

• Edamame – Adds plant-based protein.
• Shredded red cabbage – Crunchy and colorful.
• Radishes – A peppery bite.
• Pickled ginger – A sushi-style twist.
• Steamed broccoli or bok choy – For extra greens.

Extra Toppings for More Texture

• Crispy onions or fried garlic – Adds crunch.
• Toasted sesame seeds – Nutty flavor.
• Crushed peanuts or cashews – Extra crunch and richness.
• Crushed seaweed (nori) – A sushi-style finish.
• Pickled onions – For a tangy bite.

Flavor Boosters

• Drizzle of honey or maple syrup – Adds subtle sweetness.
• A squeeze of lime or lemon – Brightens up the dish.
• A dash of furikake seasoning – Adds umami and crunch.
• Extra sriracha or chili flakes – If you love heat!

Fun Variations

1. Sushi-Style Shrimp Bowl

• Use sushi rice, avocado, nori strips, and pickled ginger.
• Top with extra sesame seeds for a true sushi bowl feel.

2. Korean-Inspired Shrimp Bowl

• Swap spicy mayo for gochujang sauce.
• Add kimchi, shredded cabbage, and sesame oil.

3. Hawaiian-Style Shrimp Poke Bowl

• Use raw marinated shrimp instead of cooked.
• Add pineapple, cucumber, and macadamia nuts.

4. Mexican-Inspired Shrimp Bowl

• Swap rice for cilantro-lime rice or black beans.
• Add corn, avocado, and cotija cheese.
• Drizzle with chipotle mayo instead of sriracha mayo.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Thaw frozen shrimp in cold water for 15–20 minutes, then pat dry before cooking.

2. How spicy is the spicy mayo?

It has a mild-medium heat, but you can adjust by adding more or less sriracha.

3. Can I meal prep these bowls?

Yes! Store shrimp, rice, veggies, and sauce separately, then assemble fresh when ready to eat.

4. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Most spicy mayo is already dairy-free, but double-check the mayonnaise brand you use.

5. What’s the best rice for this dish?

Jasmine rice, sushi rice, or brown rice work best, but any cooked rice will do.

Conclusion

This Shrimp Rice Bowl with Spicy Mayo is easy, flavorful, and totally customizable. Whether you love a little heat, extra crunch, or a protein-packed meal, this dish has it all.

Try it out and let me know what you think! If you make this recipe, share a picture—I’d love to see your creations. Happy cooking!

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